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Observational Constraints on the Formation and Evolution of Neptune-Class Exoplanets

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Abstract

Among exoplanets, the small-size population constitutes the dominant one, with a diversity of properties and compositions ranging from rocky to gas dominated envelope. While a large fraction of them have masses and radii similar to or smaller than Neptune, yet none share common properties in term of orbital period and insulation with our ice giants. These exoplanets belong to multi-planet systems where planets are closely packed within the first tenth of AU and often exposed to strong irradiation from their host star. Their formation process, subsequent evolution, and fate are still debated and trigger new developments of planet formation models. This paper reviews the characteristics and properties of this extended sample of planets with radii between ∼1.6 and 4.0 \(R_{\oplus }\). Even though we still lack real Neptune/Uranus analogues, these exoplanets provide us with key observational constraints that allow the formation of our ice giants to be placed in a more general framework than the sole example of our solar system.

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  1. Laboratoire d’Astrophysique de Marseille, Technopôle de Marseille-Etoile, Aix-Marseille Université, 38, rue Frédéric Joliot-Curie, 13388, Marseille cedex 13, France

    Magali Deleuil

  2. Department of Physics, University of Warwick, Gibbet Hill Road, Coventry, CV4 7AL, UK

    Don Pollacco

  3. IRAP, Université de Toulouse, CNRS, UPS, 31400, Toulouse, France

    Clément Baruteau & Michel Blanc

  4. German Aerospace Center, Institute of Planetary Research, Berlin, Germany

    Heike Rauer

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In Situ Exploration of the Ice Giants: Science and Technology

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Deleuil, M., Pollacco, D., Baruteau, C. et al. Observational Constraints on the Formation and Evolution of Neptune-Class Exoplanets. Space Sci Rev 216, 105 (2020). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11214-020-00726-2

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